CAF Champions League: Tau’s Brace Sinks Gor As  Al Ahly Dazzle

_{Al Ahly’s Yasser Elhanafy (left) and Christopher Oduor of Gor Mahia FC tussle for the ball during their CAF Champions League match at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]}

NAIROBI, Kenya- Gor Mahia FC went down 3-0 against defending champions Al Ahly SC in their CAF Champions League first leg at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on Sunday.

Percy Tau scored a double as Rami Rabia added another goal to dent Gor’s hope of making it to the competition group stage in 32 years.

Rabia converted an Hussein Aly neat pass, following a melee on Gor’s defense, to give Al Ahly  1-0 lead in the 14th minute.

Even before the dust had settled, Tau pounced on a loose ball to beat  unprepared Gor Mahia custodian Kevin Onyango to the net, making it 2-0 for the Egyptian giants in the 15th minute.

Tau was on the score sheet again in the 74th minute when he drilled in a screamer following confusion in Gor’s defence.

Paul Ochuoga and Enock Morrison rose to the occasion for Gor in second half but their efforts were futile.

The pressure saw the  hosts find the back of the net in the 89th minute through Shariff Sirengo but the goal was disallowed by the centre referee.

The hosts had started off the match strong in the first half, with strings of lovely crisp passes that put the fans on the edge of their seats.

The scintillating show, that pinned  Al Ahly to their own half, was however halted by several fouls that were awarded to the visitors, breaking the wonderful Gor Mahia rhythm.

Gor forwards failed to make best use of a Christopher Oduor’s cross from the left flank in the eighth minute.

This was followed by three quick corners by the visitors which were well punched off by Onyango.

But this was the lul before the storm as Rabia and Tau rose to put the visitors ahead immediately.

The two goals completely disorganized Gor who failed to pick up tempo thereafter.

Captain Philemon Omondi missed an open chance in the 33rd minute when he collided with Al Ahly custodian Mohamed El Sayed.

Boniface Omondi’s expectant screamer also went over the bar, leaving Gor’s spectators clutching their heads in disbelief.

Despite the loss, the sun-kissed weather made the occasion conducive and lively. 

The electrifying venue was painted white and green in Gor’s colours by the twelfth man who throng the historic sporting cathedral to give the hosts the needed push in the encounter.

The ‘state function’ was also marked with songs and dances that kept spectators on their toes.

Business oriented people also seized the opportunity to make a kill.

And of course, tear-gas rented the air at some point just to align the agitated fans who were jostling for tickets and eager to enter the venue before the nervy kick-off.

Security too was very tight, with ready stand-by ambulances and fire engines just incase there was an anomaly. Petty offenders and thieves were disciplined by the hawk-eyed marshalls on duty.

Gor and Al Ahly will clash in the second leg on Saturday with the aggregate winner proceeding to the CAF CL group stage.

The twelve times champions Al Ahly have been colossus in the CL, stamping their authority in the competition where  they have bagged four of the five last titles and are now seeking a third gong in a row.

Gor qualified for the CAF CL second round preliminary after a 5-2 aggregate win against El Merreikh Bentiu of South Sudan while 12 time CAF CL champions Al Ahly had a bye in round one.

The last time Gor sailed to the CAF CL berth was 32 years ago.